Freshwater Pearl Mussels

Freshwater pearl mussels are now largely restricted to high quality rivers north of the central belt of Scotland and some sites in Northern Ireland. Scotland holds almost half the global population of the species. Freshwater pearl mussels are fully protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended, and it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure, take or disturb freshwater pearl mussels or to damage their habitat.

Direct Ecology can undertake licensed survey for this species. Survey is often required as a part of an Ecological Impact Assessment (EIA) for hydro-electric schemes or other river engineering works in Scotland. Direct Ecology has undertaken pearl mussel surveys on a range of rivers in Scotland including deep water survey and licensed translocation.